Programs Survivors Support Group Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) partnered with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to host a Survivors Support Group at the SALUD Center. Survivors of homicide came to the SALUD for a day of therapeutic activities. Participants started the day with brunch and later engaged in therapeutic activities. “We wanted to offer supportive resources and create a safe space for families,” said CP4P Program Supervisor Michael Tafolla. Participants had the chance to participate in yoga. “This gave them an opportunity to focus on themselves and nothing else,” said Supervisor. The afternoon ended with a therapeutic circle where participants shared what brought them to the space and were asked to reflect on the close question, what's something that you are taking with you? CP4P hopes to have therapists on site next time to make sure participants leave on a positive note. CP4P will have future Survivors Support Groups. “Our goal has always been to expand our services and our presence in the community in every way possible,” said Michael. For more information contact Michael Tafolla at [email protected] Youth Summer Programming There is still time for youth to apply for summer jobs at the SALUD Center!
 Seniors For years, the seniors at the South Chicago SALUD Center have attended food distributions through the partnership of the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). Every first Tuesday of the month the SALUD Center seniors attend a food distribution in the community room that provides fresh vegetables and fruits, canned goods, bread, and more. SALUD Fitness Center Spotlight Two Local Claretian Missionaries Join the SALUD Fitness Center The SALUD Fitness Center gained another member, Fr. Steve Niskanen. Fr. Steve is a local Claretian Associates board member. “I think the fitness center is great, it's in my neighborhood, and I just have to walk two blocks,” said Fr. Steve. He enjoys the fitness center so much he recruited fellow Claretian brother, Fr. Beauplan Derilus. Fr. Steve and Fr. Beauplan are Claretian Missionaries and preside at Our Lady Guadalupe Parish in South Chicago. Read more about their exercise journey here. Fr. Steve joined the fitness center because he wanted to exercise and stay healthy. He had access to a gym in their house but with a limited number of machines. “I’ve been able to use the elliptical machine. For the first time, I tried the Pelton. I like that because even if it's recorded you have the interaction when to turn on the resistance or increase the cycling,” said Fr. Steve. Exercise has been a part of Fr. Steve’s life; he was a member at the YMCA in California and a fitness center in San Antonio. “I have memories of getting into a routine and that was helpful. We as Claretians are supposed to set a personal project for ourselves that includes exercise. My project right now is to exercise sometime during the day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So far, I've kept it up,” said Fr. Steve. Fr. Steve is looking forward to learning more about the weight room machines. His immediate goal is to strengthen his core. Fitness goals for Fr. Steve include better cardio health and getting stronger. “I’ve noticed already that I feel a little bit stronger and healthier,” said Fr. Steve.  Fr. Beauplan was encouraged by Fr. Steve to join. “I think you guys are doing a great job here. You can exercise without pressure and in peace,” said Beauplan. Fr. Beauplan joined because he is a pre-diabetic and exercising is important to him. His goals are to exercise and keep his health strong. “I think life is about having good health,” said Beauplan Being athletic was always a part of Fr. Beauplan’s life. “I used to play soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I love to swim,” said Fr. Beauplan. Eleven years ago, Fr. Beauplan used to swim at the SALUD Center formally known as the South Chicago YMCA. “The best way to work out is to swim. You feel it in your body,” said Fr. Beauplan. Both Fr. Steve and Fr. Beauplan come to exercise regularly, at times separately or together. They encourage others to join to stay healthy and it’s a great resource in our community. Staff Highlights First-time Homeowner Claretian Associates congratulates CP4P Case Manager, Fredrick McLaurin, on becoming a first-time homeowner. Fredrick assists returning citizens with reentry services to create a plan for their future. Fredrick was formally incarcerated for 33 years. During that time his main focus was education. “I either stayed in academic or vocational classes,” said Fredrick. He earned his Associate’s degree with honors, Summa Cum Laude. Fredrick also took many vocational classes and earned certificates. While being incarcerated, Fredrick, was being a mentor and facilitator. He taught courses in behavior modification including anger management, domestic violence, lifestyle redirection, and more. “We started a program called Building Block,” said Fredrick. The program was geared towards behavior modification and giving the students the opportunity to have their own wing in the correctional facility to attend classes all day. The program grew from one wing to an entire building. “We were spreading a sear of influence, built towards positive and healthy thinking,” said Fredrick. When Fredrick came home, within three months he started working for a steel mill. That job led him to some health problems, and he eventually interviewed for his current job. “My transition to case management was easy because of the things that are involved with it. I was already deeply involved in case management because my education was mostly geared towards humanities and helping people,” said Fredrick. While Fredrick had previous jobs, he saved money. “I was staying with my brother. He has his own house, and we had an agreement. I was paying him a little rent, it allowed me to save money,” said Fredrick. He started looking for his place of residence. Fredrick thought about getting his own apartment, but a colleague gave him the idea of ownership. Fredrick didn’t think it was possible, but he had good credit. Fredrick started looking for apartments in the southwest suburbs. “After the idea of ownership floated to me, I ended up finding a place in South Deering. When I wake up or I’m sitting on the couch, I look around, I’m flabbergasted. I even can’t talk sometimes. ‘Like wow this is really mine,’” said Fredrick. He didn’t think it would be possible to be a homeowner because he was home for less than three years. Fredrick accomplished a lot since returning home including owning a car, becoming a first-time homeowner, and landing his dream job. “I’ve been blessed, I’m driven and trying to stay focused ever since then. My mom tells people, ‘He got his dream job.’ I'm grateful for the opportunity and I love what I do,” said Fredrick. Employee Appreciation Dinner
Claretian Associates hosted an Employee Appreciation Dinner at Roma’s Restaurant to express gratitude for the staff’s hard work. At the dinner, CEO Angela Hurlock announced that Claretian Associates received a $2 million gift from the Yield Giving Open Call. Staff were elated because of the announcement and enjoyed dinner with music and the company of each other. Announcements Fitness Center
Haven’t signed up for a SALUD Fitness Center Membership yet? Sign up for our $14.99 monthly membership. A day pass is now $5. Join our Circuit Class every Monday at 10 a.m. The Circuit Class is a workout that involves rotating through exercise equipment that will target different parts of the body. You will focus on different muscle groups while learning how to use the various machines. This is another effective exercise that can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. For more information contact us at fitness@claretianassociates.org
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